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When it comes to lunch, finding the right balance between satisfying, healthy, and easy to prepare can feel like a juggling act. High-protein salads are a fantastic option that checks all those boxes. Packed with nutrient-dense ingredients like lean meats, legumes, eggs, and hearty grains, these salads will keep you energized through the busiest afternoons without weighing you down.
Whether you’re meal prepping or tossing something together on the fly, these eight recipes will quickly become your lunchtime favorites.
Helpful Tips
- Choose versatile proteins: Cook extra chicken breast, hard-boil a batch of eggs, or keep a stash of canned chickpeas or lentils on hand for quick salad assembly.
- Layer for freshness: Keep dressing and crunchy toppings (like nuts or seeds) separate until you’re ready to eat to avoid soggy greens.
- Mix flavors and textures: Combine creamy elements (like avocado or yogurt-based dressings) with something crunchy (like nuts or roasted chickpeas) for a salad that’s both delicious and satisfying.
Spicy Thai Salad

This Spicy Thai Salad recipe, inspired by a beloved salad at Panera Bread, is packed with tender chicken breast, crunchy vegetables, and delightful toppings with a creamy peanut dressing. The grilled chicken breast, marinated in delicious peanut dressing, is incredibly juicy and flavorful, and the fresh veggies bring a refreshing crunch that’s hard to resist. From the crisp romaine lettuce to the purple cabbage and red bell peppers, every bite is bursting with vibrant flavors and textures.
Harvest Cobb Salad

This Harvest Cobb Salad is packed with all the deliciousness of fall – butternut squash, cranberries, and red leaf lettuce – with rich and robust flavors from the blue cheese and walnuts. This salad comes together pretty easily, but you do have to cook all the components separately first.
Sweet Potato Salad with Arugula, Walnuts, and Feta

This Sweet Potato Salad with Arugula, Walnuts, and Feta is both hearty and refreshing. The roasted sweet potatoes add warmth and natural sweetness, while the peppery arugula provides a fresh, crisp base. Add in crunchy walnuts and creamy, salty feta, and you’ve got a dish that’s as satisfying as it is flavorful. This salad is perfect as a light lunch, a colorful side dish, or even a meatless main course.
Flavorful Cajun Shrimp Salad

This Cajun Shrimp Salad is packed with zesty Cajun-seasoned shrimp and a refreshing mix of salad greens and vegetables. It’s perfect for a satisfying lunch or light dinner. The combination of vibrant colors and robust flavors makes this salad a feast for the eyes and the taste buds. Plus it’s a breeze to make, so you can have something healthy and impressive for lunch in under 15 minutes.
Honey Mustard Chicken Salad with Avocado & Bacon

Honey Mustard Chicken Salad with Avocado and Bacon is both satisfying and packed with flavor. The sweet and tangy honey mustard dressing pairs beautifully with tender chicken, while creamy avocado and crispy bacon bring richness and texture to the dish.
Easy Cilantro Lime Shrimp Salad

This Cilantro Lime Shrimp Salad is a fantastic low-carb lunch with plenty of crisp fresh veggies, tender shrimp, and a light dressing packed with healthy fats. The cilantro lime dressing really brightens up the salad and keeps it fresh for a day or two if you want to make the salad in advance for lunches.
Sesame Chicken Cabbage Salad

Sesame Chicken Cabbage Salad is a delightful fusion of flavors and textures, perfect for a light yet satisfying meal. This dish combines tender chicken, crunchy cabbage, and a savory homemade sesame dressing that you will love.
Cranberry Walnut Chicken Salad

This Cranberry Walnut Chicken Salad combines tender cubes of chicken with crunchy celery, walnuts and dried cranberries in a creamy mayonnaise based dressing. This is a satisfying lunch that can be served on it’s own, with bread or wrapped in a lettuce leaf. I find it really easy to take to work for lunch. We make a big batch on Sunday and have it all week.
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Angela’s passion for discovering and experimenting with new flavors and recipes is at the heart of her culinary philosophy. Residing in a quaint Oregon town, she finds joy and inspiration in her kitchen. Angela has a lot of expertise in cooking and she eagerly shares her discoveries and unique creations with you.